The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA vs COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

The Ordinary

COSRX

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Lactic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

A chemical exfoliant built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

Chemical exfoliant

15 ingredients

10 ingredients

Brand price

USD 7.29 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 22.00 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from Canada

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe; that row is shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid1
An AHA that also acts as a humectant.
Lactic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin
Smoothing2
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid
Brightening1
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Lactic Acid

Hydrating3
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair2
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Panthenol
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Isoceteth-20

No concerns found

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Lactic Acid
Humectant
- AHA
- Lactic acid
- Brightening
- Exfoliating
- Hydrating
- Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
Fragrance
Xanthan Gum (in both products)
Cleansing
0-1 / —
Isoceteth-20
Cleansing
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Xanthan Gum
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
Xanthan gum
Learn more about Xanthan Gum →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
We don't have a description for 1,2-Hexanediol yet.
Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol →